My computer

[Myhand]

Hello, I'm Dylan. Just to let you know (for future reference) I'm a 13 year old Canadian.

I'm looking at building my own computer. Most of the parts have been chosen but I need it validated.

If anyone could take a look at all this, it'd be fantastic.

Motherboard:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3038920&body=REVIEWS#tabs - $128

Monitor:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3498665&CatId=2775 - $270

Video Card:
http://www.usedwinnipeg.com/classified-ad/5869236&category=pc-desktops - $150
EVGA 8800 GTS 640MB

CPU:
http://www.tddirect.ca/products/133696/BX80570E8400/Intel/ - $215

RAM:
http://www.crucial.com/store/listmodule/DDRII/~LED~/list.html LOOK AT - $75

Hard drive:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3318029&CatId=8 - $90

DVD Burner:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3550101&CatId=89 - $40 Check.

Power Supply:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3092557&CatId=1483 - $90

Case:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1384989&Sku=A107-3016 - $75

TV Tuner:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10056747&catid= - $40




I trust everything here is all I need (aside from the keyboard and mouse, that is been taken care of.)


I'm looking at a $1400 with shipping budget. I can't really go over.

 

[lucuis]

Motherboard: The one you linked doesn't look like a very good motherboard. In fact i'm leaning towards crap. For a similar price i'd suggest an ASUS P5K.

Monitor: Looks good.

Video Card: Never buy a used videocard, ever. Actually i wouldn't recommend buying ANY used computer components. For close to that price, you can get a 9600GT. It's performs very well for $159.99 after $10 rebate.

CPU: No complaints here

RAM: $75 is a little much IMO for 2gb of 6400 RAM. Here's 4gb for $69.99 after rebates. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26563&vpn=OCZ2N800SR4GK&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology
Or 2gb for $41.03 after $10 rebate. This one has excellent timings. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21095&vpn=996533&manufacture=MUSHKIN

Hard Drive: Looks fine.

DVD Burner: Fine

PSU: Will do just fine, although i prefer a PSU with a single large Rail as opposed to multiple smaller ones.

Case: I really don't like the looks of the case you selected. And i don't mean how it looks. What i mean is it has horrible case fans, will probably be loud even with just 2 80mm fans with little to no airflow. The "airduct" will have to be removed if you plan on having a larger aftermarket HS at any point in time.

If you decide to save money on the RAM, i'd look into the Antec 900. It's pretty much got the best airflow in that price range. The Thermaltake Armor is also very nice for that.

If not, take a look at the XIONs, they may have something you'll like.

 

[Myhand]

Well the only reason the guy is getting rid of the video card was because he got a 9800 GTX.


RAM: Okay.

PSU: I'll look into it, it was a quick pick, not much decision.

Case: Well I was leaning away from that anyway.

And about the Motherboard, I'm going to take a look at the one you recommended.

EDIT:
What do you think about this video card?
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3427124&Sku=P450-8812

PSU:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1543967&CatId=1483

Case:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2337814&Sku=ULT33180

Motherboard:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3135545&CatId=1572


I hope that looks good.

Constructive criticism PLEASE!

 

[slim142]

motherboard:
I would go for P5K or P5K-E they are both good.

RAM:
I stick to G.Skill and OCZ, they have nice RAM with good heatsinks for good prices.

Case:
I prefer Thermaltake and Antec cases, they are good for any build.

 

[4745454b]

I didn't even look at NCIX, but Tiger.ca does have several 8800GS cards for less then $150CA. (One of them was even an overclocked model.) I would take the less memory if it gives me the extra SP.

Most people tend to avoid Intel motherboards because they usually limit overclocking options. Look to Asus, Abit, DFI, etc. Grab a good P35 chipset.

Case looks to be horribly overpriced. $75 for a bunch of lights?

 

[dator97]

Hello, I'm Dylan. Just to let you know (for future reference) I'm a 13 year old Canadian.

I'm looking at building my own computer. Most of the parts have been chosen but I need it validated.

If anyone could take a look at all this, it'd be fantastic.

Motherboard:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3038920&body=REVIEWS#tabs - $128
this mb i hear is pretty good this is what i hear from compusa tech ive been looking into it myself

Monitor:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3498665&CatId=2775 - $270
it can be found cheaper though if your not exactly set on a 22" monitor id go a bit smaller

Video Card:
http://www.usedwinnipeg.com/classified-ad/5869236&category=pc-desktops - $150
EVGA 8800 GTS 640MB

id be worried about the warrenty if its warrantied id have no probs
CPU:
http://www.tddirect.ca/products/133696/BX80570E8400/Intel/ - $215

cool cpu

RAM:
http://www.crucial.com/store/listmodule/DDRII/~LED~/list.html LOOK AT - $75

hmm ram i have 2 gigs worth and i run xp not nearly enough for me like in gaming id go with 4 the new games are hogs and so is anykind of video editing

Hard drive:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3318029&CatId=8 - $90

i have a 250 and a 320 both sata and im constantly running out of space id up for a 500 or 750 for a little extra and i highly recommend seagate they have a 5yr warrenty maxtor is 3 and wd is 1yr upgradeable to 3

DVD Burner:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3550101&CatId=89 - $40 Check.

id go with a 29.99 sony dvd recorder can be bought at compusa or tigerdirect

Power Supply:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3092557&CatId=1483 - $90
nice

Case:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1384989&Sku=A107-3016 - $75

find one that has good cerculation though idk about this paticular one

TV Tuner:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10056747&catid= - $40

if for video editing id go for a little better if for general watching not bad


I trust everything here is all I need (aside from the keyboard and mouse, that is been taken care of.)

over all not bad system i think btw what os will you use xp pro or vista if vista 2 gig of ram is the least i would use personally i have friends have vista and they say its runs all right with 1 and 2 gigs of ram but its runs best with 3+ but then again just my personal thoughts

 

[Myhand]

It'll be running XP.

The RAM I'm getting is low latency.

 

[dator97]

if its for gaming and video and can spare a little more go for the more ram

on the lite on dvd drive i dont recommend it

 

[Demonic Goldfish]

I wouldn't touch a GTS 640 atm. They're reasonably powerful cards, but you'd be much better off with a GTS 512 or a GT. Also, as Lucuis said, I hear the 9600 is a good card.

I've never heard of that monitor, so I don't know, but a solid choice in that department would be a Samsung 226BW. In fact, I'd go with a 226CW so you don't take any risks about the panel. I also hear the HP W2207 is excellent, if you don't mind the screen being glossy.

That case uses 80mm fans, and like Lucuis mentioned, they won't shift a whole lot of air and will be very whiny. The Antec 900 is a solid choice in terms of airflow, but not the quietest case. My dad uses one of these and it's virtually silent, and appears to have good airflow due to a nice, spacious design and huge fans, although if you go for that you'd be restricted to a micro ATX mobo.

Also I'd recommend an aftermarket CPU cooler - they can be a right bitch to fit after the system's put together, often necessitating complete removal of the mobo to fit a backplate (you may very well want to overclock later on, even if you don't want to now). I'm currently using a Tuniq Tower 120, which is generally considered to be a very good heatsink, and if you've got decent airflow and you choose not to overclock, you can run it with the fan off and it will still probably cool better than the stock cooler. If you don't want to spend that kind of money or you can't fit a Tuniq Tower in your case, I hear the Arctic Freezer 7 is decent.

That optical drive looks like it should be fine, but perhaps a bit pricey (I'm not too familiar with prices in USD, so it might be standard).

RAM I don't know much about. I'm currently using this, and it's OK, I hear it can be pushed up to around 950MHz, although mine is currently running at 864MHz (I'm now tightening timings ). I do know that my mate uses this, and he has it clocked to 1200MHz @2.2V, so you couldn't go wrong with that.

My 2 pence

 

[Myhand]

Motherboard:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3038920&body=REVIEWS#tabs - $128

Monitor:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3498665&CatId=2775 - $240

Video Card:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3427124&Sku=P450-8812 - $180
XFX 8800 GT 512MB

CPU:
http://www.tddirect.ca/products/133696/BX80570E8400/Intel/ - $215

RAM:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?affiliateid=5887734&sku=25228&promoid=1034 LOOK AT - $90
Corsair 4GB ddr2 800

Hard drive:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3318029&CatId=8 - $90

DVD Burner:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3550101&CatId=89 - $40 Check.

Power Supply:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3092557&CatId=1483 - $90

Case:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2337814&Sku=ULT33180 - $73

TV Tuner:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10056747&catid= - $40




So I've done a few updates.

What do you guys think of it now?

I'm considering this video card:
Palit GeForce 8800GT 600MHZ 512MB 1.8GHZ DDR3 PCI-E DVI-I HDCP HDTV Out Video Card
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27142&vpn=XNE/8800TXT352&manufacture=Palit%20Multimedia%20Inc.

Also, the RAM I would like a cheaper, low latency model. (Like 4GB please?) For under $100.

Also I'd be fine with paying $30 or so more for a 750GB hard drive.

I'm also having troubles with picking a motherboard.

Oh, and last, if you have any good Canadian components websites I'd be happy to take a look.

 

[dator97]

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3569869&CatId=482
sony dvd rec

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3509190&CatId=482
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2984924&CatId=482
phillips dvd rec both brands are reliable ive used em in past no lightscribe but i dont care for it my self btw i would get a really good heatsink fan ive been told dont use the one comes with cpu
like
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3071635&CatId=1588
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3071636&CatId=1588
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2932377&CatId=1588
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3728290&CatId=1588

now these is just what i would look nto getting one of em or somethin like it cause these really do help keep your system cool pretty good setup though i think

 

[Myhand]

Okay I've chosen this DVD burner:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3509190&CatId=482
Philips SPD2413BM Super-All-Write OEM DVD Burner

Is a heatsink 100% necessary? I mean, I don't want to push the price much more, but if it's a necessity I'll go for it.

I'm also looking at a surge protector, is this a good idea? I heard they're extremely cheap so I guess I should get one to be safe.

3rdly, If I could get some recomendations on speakers ($40 or so, please) and mice and keyboards, that would be great.

 

[4745454b]

Why did you switch to a more expensive 640MB GTS? Get an 8800GT for cheap, or an 8800GTS 512MB if you have the $$$? (how does a 13yo get this much $$$?)

As long as the CPU is retail, it will come with a heatsink/fan. I wouldn't worry about getting the aftermarket HSF, soundcard, TV tuner, etc until after you've got the quality base parts to start with.

Surge protectors are a base requirements, quality battery backups are better. Not only do they suppress surges, they can add power if it dips. (a big problem in some areas.)

 

[Myhand]

Why did you switch to a more expensive 640MB GTS? Get an 8800GT for cheap, or an 8800GTS 512MB if you have the $$$? (how does a 13yo get this much $$$?)

As long as the CPU is retail, it will come with a heatsink/fan. I wouldn't worry about getting the aftermarket HSF, soundcard, TV tuner, etc until after you've got the quality base parts to start with.

Surge protectors are a base requirements, quality battery backups are better. Not only do they suppress surges, they can add power if it dips. (a big problem in some areas.)

Okay, about the Video Card, I misprinted the information. The other 8800 (640MB) was used. I decided not to get it. I'm looking at something to buy something at more in the $200 range. That would probably be a better idea for me, so this way I'll be set longer.

Second, I just had my Bar Mitzvah, explaining the cash.

Third, you did not answer my question about the sound card. The TV tuner is cheap and I'm getting it.

Anyway, thanks again,

Dylan.

 

[4745454b]

I see your edit now, the 8800GT is better then the 8800 640GTS.

I don't see your question about soundcards. (I do see about speakers, mouse, etc.) If you are spending your money on your PC, which I would, just get cheap for the input/speakers. Go to Walmart (or whatever the Canadian equivalent is) and get a keyboard/mouse combo for $20. With whatever money you have left over, get a set of speakers. Personally I wouldn't go with anything less then the Logitech z5300s, but that might put you over budget. (not sure though, I don't think you listed a budget...) I actually don't use computer speakers at all, I have my PC hooked up to my 5.1 surround sound system. (Complete with 15" subs in the 3ft+ tall JVC fronts.) Doing what I did would require buying a receiver, which would cost around $200, not counting speakers.

 

[dator97]

i personally use cheap keyboard and decent mouse from wallmart and i dont use speakers i use a cheap stereo mic headset which serves as speakers for me and voice for internet gaming

 

[Shadow703793]

@OP:

My recommendations:

E8400/Q6600 (if doing video editing or the likes of thet)
8800GT 512MB/(G92)8800GTS
4GB (2*2GB preferably) DDR2 800
Corsair 450/550 or even better a PP&C 610
P35-DS3x (ie DS3L); P5K
500GB 7200.11 HDD(s)

*If OCing: XIGMATEK- S1283

Every thing else you need/want.

 

[Myhand]

Okay, so here's my latest list:

Motherboard:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3038920&body=REVIEWS#tabs - $128

Monitor:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3498665&CatId=2775 - $240

Video Card:
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=15180BD2476&vpn=PVT94PYDE4&manufacture=XFX - $155
XFX GeForce 9600GT XT 680MHZ 512MB 1.9GHZ DDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDCP HDTV Out

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28428&manufacture=Galaxy%20Technology

CPU:
http://www.tddirect.ca/products/133696/BX80570E8400/Intel/ - $215

RAM:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?affiliateid=5887734&sku=25228&promoid=1034 LOOK AT - $90
Corsair 4GB ddr2 800

Hard drive:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3318029&CatId=8 - $90

DVD Burner:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3509190&CatId=482 - $31 Check.
Philips SPD2413BM Super-All-Write OEM DVD Burner

Power Supply:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3092557&CatId=1483 - $90

Case:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2337814&Sku=ULT33180 - $73

TV Tuner:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10056747&catid= - $40

Fan:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1089088&CatId=494
Ultra Blue/Titanium 80mm Ball Bearing Fan 3-Pack

This puts it at at least $1479. I need it cheaper.. (with $40 keyboard and a $20 mouse.)

Please help me here. My case doesn't include 120mm's so that's a problem. I won't get speakers right now. Any recommendations for cut-backs?


[EDIT]
Found out theres still roughly $250 to go into the account. I'm in good shape. (This leaves me with $1400 in the paypal account within 6-8 days and then $250 to go in 6- 8 days after May 30th.)

 

[Shadow703793]

^Looks good.

 

[4745454b]

You can save $20 by getting this motherboard instead.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3755527&CatId=3355

As a side benefit, because its not an Intel board, it will probably overclock better.

You can save another $24 by dropping down to this HDD.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3247662&CatId=2458

(Seagate 7200.10 250GB drive. This is the same model drive you were looking at getting. You can always add another one later after you've saved up some money.)

Same idea, but now with the PSU.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3482959&CatId=1079

This is the 500W version of the PSU you were looking at getting. Saves another $34. (might want to double check this. These PSUs might be the same model, but this one might be made by a different company, and not as good as the one you picked.)

If you don't have a lot of money, why are you spending this much on a case?

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3570029&CatId=1509

Not as snazzy or nice as the one you picked out, but its a lot cheaper. This move will save you another $37. It should do the job however.

If you do all of these moves, you just saved a total of $115, without giving up any performance. (smaller harddrive will be the "biggest" loss.) If you need anymore more, drop the TV tuner, its another thing you can easily add once you've saved up the $$$. Before you go buy everything, make sure you double check shipping/taxes.

 

[B-Unit]

If you can squeeze it in, the dual slot cooler on the Palit card you linked is worth every penny.

 

[Myhand]

@4745454b
I decided to choose the Motherboard and PSU you suggested.

The case I'm looking at is what I want. It looks good, and has features I want. (Looks is a big part.) Don't worry about the case.

Thanks for your suggestions.

@B-Unit
I don't know what the dual slot cooler I suggested was.



ACTIVE LIST:
Motherboard:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3755527&CatId=3355 - $109

Monitor:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3498665&CatId=2775 - $240

Video Card:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3716132&CatId=28 - $202
XFX GeForce 9600GT XT 680MHZ 512MB 1.9GHZ DDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDCP HDTV Out

CPU:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3574211&CatId=1969 - $200

RAM:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3010717&Sku=O261-9024 LOOK AT - $85
Corsair 4GB ddr2 800

Hard drive:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3318029&CatId=8 - $90

DVD Burner:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3509190&CatId=482 - $31 Check.
Philips SPD2413BM Super-All-Write OEM DVD Burner

Power Supply:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3482959&CatId=1079 - $70

Case:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2337814&Sku=ULT33180 - $73

TV Tuner:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10056747&catid= - $40


I decided not to get the heatsink.

But quick question, did the one I linked to include one?

 

[Myhand]

Another quick question:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3636415&CatId=1826
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3716132&CatId=28

Which is better?

 

[Avenger_K]

^ The Palit is better.

 

[4745454b]

The CPU you linked to is a retail CPU, so it should come with one. (It should be marked OEM if it doesn't.) The Palit has very slightly higher clocks and is a $1 less, so from a performance aspect its the better card. The BFG however has a lifetime warranty. (Palit is limited for two years.) If you are worried about it, you might want to take the warranty into consideration. (OTOH, do you really want a 3 year old card if/when this one dies 3 years from now?)

Your build looks pretty solid. I personally would get a slightly slower CPU to free up some money for a faster GPU, but you've got a good build there.